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Aran Islands - Special Interest Walking Tours

The essence and variety of the West of Ireland is captured on this three centre-walking trip in the Burren, Aran Islands and Connemara. You will be based in hotels and guesthouses in locations that provide the richest variety of geology, scenery and walking conditions that could be desired.

The Burren is a remarkable area of more than 100 square miles of limestone landscape, where a rich variety of plants thrive in the cracks and crevices. Enjoy the bird's eye view of the dramatic west coast of Ireland on the short flight to the Aran Islands, where Gaelic is still spoken. Explore the many archaeological sites of the island, including the pre-historic fort Dun Aonghasa. Old pilgrimage sites and bog lands rich in flowers are the treats of Connemara.
Traditional Ireland
Included


Tour Dates:
May 17
June 14
July 12
Aug 16
Aug 30
Oct 4
  • Courtesy transfer to and from Shannon Airports as per our schedule.
  • Seven nights in Irish Tourist Board approved guesthouse based on two adults sharing with en-suite facilities*
  • Full Irish breakfast daily
  • Six packed lunches
  • Seven dinners
  • Transfers to and from walks each day
  • Experienced local guide throughout itinerary
  • Return flight to the Aran Islands
Note: Any queries please ask at time of booking.

Insurance: Please note that insurance is required on walking tours. Please ask booking agent for detail.

Double Occupancy: All prices based on two people sharing a room. Single rooms available at a supplement

 

 ITINERARY
 Day 1 - Arrival

Optional airport transfer from Shannon airport. Arrival at accommodation in Lisdoonvarna, renowned for traditional Irish music. Dinner and briefing. Overnight in Lisdoonvarna (3 nights).


 Day 2 - The Cliffs of Moher & Atlantic Coast
A choice of gentle walks by the Atlantic Coast will be offered, to allow you to explore the countryside while introducing yourself to Irish walking. Distance: 6.5km/4miles

 Day 3 - The Burren

The Burren is a unique internationally important habitat. You can explore it through a combination of walking on green roads and traversing of the karst limestone pavements, interspersed with rare arctic and alpine flowers.
Distance: 13km/8miles Ascent: 275m/900ft

 Day 4 - The Aran Islands
Short flight over the dramatic west coast to the Irish-speaking Aran Islands. Walk to the southeast of the island to spectacular cliffs and puffing holes. Carry on to the Iron Age Black Fort (Dún Duchathair). Overnight on Aran Islands (2 nights). Distance: up to 14km/8 miles Ascent: little or none

 Day 5 - The Aran Islands - Dún Aonghasa
Visit archaeological sites including the pre-historic fort, Dún Aonghasa and Poll na bPéist (worm hole), all set in a stony landscape from which a living is laboriously wrenched. Overnight on the Aran Islands.
Distance: up to 21km/13 miles Ascent: little or none

 Day 6 - Roundstone

Enjoy the views of the island dotted Atlantic coastline and the Clifden bog from Errisbeg, a small mountain behind the village of Roundstone. Overnight in Connemara (2 nights).
Distance: 11km/6 miles Ascent: 350m/ 1,150 ft


 Day 7 - The Connemara Coast

Today Walk along the shore of Killary Harbour - Ireland's only fjord. A ten-mile walk on the 'Famine Trail' through Connemara mountain scenery - lake dotted bog land rich in flora. Distance: 16km/10miles Ascent: little or none


 Day 8 - Departure

After your final breakfast in your guesthouse you may opt for a complimentary transfer to Shannon Airport.

Note: We reserve the right to alter this itinerary due to weather conditions or the walking ability of each group.